Our Future Hope

As Christians, our future hope is grounded in the promise of Christ’s return. The apostle Paul encouraged believers not to sorrow as others who have no hope, assuring us that Jesus will come again for His Church (John 14:1–3; Titus 2:13). According to 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will rise first, and then those who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (1 Corinthians 15:51–52; Philippians 3:20–21). This event, commonly referred to as the Rapture, is a source of great comfort and assurance, marking the moment when believers are gathered to Christ before the coming judgment on the earth (Revelation 3:10; Colossians 3:4).

Following the Rapture, the world will enter a time of tribulation as foretold in Scripture (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:21–22). After this period, the Lord Jesus will return in power and glory to the earth, as described in Matthew 24:29–44. Immediately after the tribulation, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Isaiah 13:9–10; Revelation 6:12–17). Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn as they see Him coming on the clouds with great glory (Revelation 19:11–16; Zechariah 14:4–5). Unlike the Rapture, which is a private event for the Church, the Second Coming will be visible to all and will usher in Christ’s righteous reign on earth (Acts 1:9–11; Revelation 20:4–6).

This twofold return of Christ—first for His saints, and then with His saints—is a central element of our hope (Jude 14–15; Colossians 3:4). It motivates believers to live in holiness, watchfulness, and faithfulness (1 John 3:2–3; Matthew 24:42–44). We are not destined for wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9; Romans 5:9). Knowing that Jesus could return at any moment to take us to be with Him gives purpose to our present and confidence for our future (2 Timothy 4:7–8). Our hope is not in this world but in the sure promises of God, who will complete His work and bring us into the fullness of His kingdom (Philippians 1:6; Revelation 21:1–4).